A few years ago I started having RSI issues. At a certain point I couldn't even comfortably hold a phone or glass with my right arm. There was no position I could hold my arm where I didn't feel pain.
I went to a physiotherapist / mensendieck for therapy, which kind of worked. The real 'cure' for me was a small Wacom Bamboo pen tablet and screens at eye-level. Not having to look up or down. Coding with a pen tablet is a bit weird at first, but you get used to it. And I love the fact that I can work again. I spent a few weeks at home on sick leave back then. Take precautions! Slow down if you feel something weird. You really don't want to get it.
One good practical tip I remember clearly is that your lower back may do some work to sit straight, it's the upper back / shoulders that must be able to relax completely. This is the opposite of bending over your laptop.
And as the author mentions, the body needs time to heal. My arm was literally very cold compared to my other arm, I had cramped muscles which reduced blood flow. Stretching (guided by a therapist / professional) helps a lot as well. I could feel my arm warming up after each session.
To this day I'm suffering from RSI, but it's manageable as long as I work with my pen tablet. If I sit on the couch for 30mins with my laptop, my arm starts acting up immediately.
I went to a physiotherapist / mensendieck for therapy, which kind of worked. The real 'cure' for me was a small Wacom Bamboo pen tablet and screens at eye-level. Not having to look up or down. Coding with a pen tablet is a bit weird at first, but you get used to it. And I love the fact that I can work again. I spent a few weeks at home on sick leave back then. Take precautions! Slow down if you feel something weird. You really don't want to get it.
One good practical tip I remember clearly is that your lower back may do some work to sit straight, it's the upper back / shoulders that must be able to relax completely. This is the opposite of bending over your laptop.
And as the author mentions, the body needs time to heal. My arm was literally very cold compared to my other arm, I had cramped muscles which reduced blood flow. Stretching (guided by a therapist / professional) helps a lot as well. I could feel my arm warming up after each session.
To this day I'm suffering from RSI, but it's manageable as long as I work with my pen tablet. If I sit on the couch for 30mins with my laptop, my arm starts acting up immediately.